Waite Family History

This information was researched and compiled
by my great-Aunt Gladys Waite DePuy. Aunt Gladys has always shared her love of family
history and research with the family. All of the Waite family history was given to me by
her. I appreciate and thank her from the bottom of my heart for her efforts in making this
information available. She was the first one who fostered my interest in genealogy and
always shared her enthusiasm with me. This page is dedicated to her!

Family notes

In 1634, Thomas Wait and two of his brothers,
Richard (born in 1598) and Gamiliel (born in 1596) were driving a herd of their cattle to
market in Wales, when they were attacked by a gang which tried to force them to serve
aboard a British warship. The three fought free, went to market, sold their cattle, and
used the money to come to America. The ship on which they made the journey to America
docked in Boston, Massachusetts. Richard and Gamiliel stayed in Boston, and Thomas, our
ancestor, went on to Rhode Island. Richard usually spelled his name Wayte. Some records
indicate that Thomas had a part in establishing the church in Rhode Island which Roger
Williams and Anne Hutchison established in Rhode Island. At least, Thomas and some of his
family are listed as early members of that church.

In Generation Eight, Yelverton Wait (Waite)
was married to Elizabeth Olin. Her father was Jonathan Olin, who served in the
Revolutionary War. Elizabeths, ancestor, John Olin, (probably her great  or
great-great grandfather) was kidnapped to serve aboard an English warship when he was 14
years of age. He deserted the ship when it reached Boston, and settled there. He is
described in a history book as being red-haired.

In Generation Three, Samuel Wait Jr. was
married to Alice Wightman. Her father was George Wightman. Her great-grandfather, Edward
Wightman, was burned at the stake for heresy. One Wightman history book said that Wightman
was accused of having "Antitrinitarianism and Anabaptist" views. He was
condemned to die, and was burned at the stake April 11, 1612. He was the last person to be
burned at the stake for heresy in England.

The family name has been spelled variously
Wait, Waite, Wayte, Weight and Waight.